A controversial “timeout box” installed in an elementary school in upstate New York has sparked significant outrage among parents and community members. The Salmon River Central School District, which serves approximately 1,300 students, is facing scrutiny after images of the wooden box surfaced on social media, revealing its stark interior, which features bare walls and a padded floor.
The photos were shared by a former member of the school board, who alleged that the box was specifically constructed for students with disabilities. This claim has led to a heated debate, with families and school officials disputing whether any children were ever actually placed inside the box. The incident has raised serious concerns within the community, particularly given that more than 60 percent of the district’s student population identifies as Native American.
In response to the uproar, the school board has taken decisive action. They have enlisted a law firm to conduct an investigation into the matter and have temporarily reassigned the district’s superintendent to “home duties” pending the outcome of the review. Additionally, several other district leaders, including a principal and the special education director, have been placed on leave.
The controversy deepened when the district’s superintendent revealed that the box in the social media post was not an isolated case; two other similar boxes had been installed in schools across the district. In light of the backlash, these boxes have since been removed.
Community reactions have been visceral, with many drawing parallels to the historical trauma experienced by Native American children in boarding schools, a painful chapter that remains fresh in collective memory. The school district’s proximity to the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation adds another layer of sensitivity to the issue, as local families express concerns about the implications of such punitive measures on vulnerable students.
As investigations continue, the Salmon River Central School District faces the challenge of addressing community concerns while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all its students. The outcome of the inquiry will likely have lasting implications for the district’s policies regarding student discipline and support for children with disabilities.
